Manipur today threw up a hung assembly with the ruling Congress bagging 28 of the 60 seats and the BJP making giant strides to muster 21.
With two other PRJA nominees, It was a stunning blow for Sharmila who had aimed to become the chief minister to repeal the stringent AFSPA, against which she had continued her fast-unto-death for 16 years.
Human rights activist Irom contested against Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, could secure only 90 votes and was relegated to the fourth position. Irom Sharmila who has been a role model for the people of Manipur for 16-years, has announced to quit the politics after the humiliating defeat.
After her dismal showing, Sharmila announced that she would quit politics but continue her fight against the controversial AFSPA in the state. Sharmila’s party, People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) was formed just few months before the elections.
The Congress had won 42 seats in the 2012 assembly. The BJP, on the other hand, had no members in the outgoing House.